Important Characteristics of Humility

Accountable

Ultimately we are all accountable to God and will stand before the judgment seat of God (2 Cor 5:10). Deep down we know that God knows exactly what we are doing and thinking all the time (1 John 3:20). But we have also learned how to be very good at hiding it from people. We should be accountable to one or more brothers or sisters in Christ who we have a close personal relationship with and who we deeply trust (1 Sam 18:1-3; Prov 18:24). Key to being accountable is having the humility to say, "I did it." (1 John 1:9)

The "old man" in us doesn't like to be corrected or told that we have done wrong. But the "new man" in Christ needs to accept life giving correction or rebuke through whomever God chooses to use to bring it to us. We need to be able to respond positively to correction - to be corrected easily without being defensive. See the example of Nathan correcting David (Gal 2:11-14; 2 Sam 12:1-23) - notice that once confronted by the Holy Spirit through Nathan's rebuke David un-defensively admits his sin. Also see Paul's instruction to Timothy on how to correct a older person by using encouragement (1 Tim 5:1). Persons in the bible who were not easily corrected: Cain (Gen 4:1-16), numerous kings of Israel and Judah who would either ignore or kill God's prophets when they brought words of correction and the Pharisees in the time of Jesus who, rather than accept correction, chose to have Jesus killed for rebuking them repeatedly.

God's desire is that we continue to mature in Christ. The only way to do that, to continually learn about how we can become more and more like Jesus, is by coming to truly know Jesus. God has raised up countless godly men and woman who have been accountable, correctable and teachable so that we can learn from them. The apostle Paul is a prime example. We should never be content to stop increasing in all spiritual knowledge and wisdom (Col 1:9-10). We should also be willing to learn new skills in order to help others and provide for our families and share with those in need.

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. (1 John 2:27 ESV)

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (2 John 9 ESV)

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6 ESV)

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 ESV)

And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. (Titus 3:14 ESV)